Client wall design installation

Tomorrow photographer Mary Gardella and I are installing the winning design plan (plan #1!) into our client's living room. I can't wait to show you the "after" pictures. Here's the plan, the wall and sneak peek at the room's new design. Check back later this week for "after" pictures!

{Winning design plan, #2, to be installed tomorrow}

{This is the wall now, waiting for its new, wonderful photos!}


{This is a sneak peak at some of the new accessories in the living room}

We've been working on this living room transformation for several months now and tomorrow it will come together with the final installation. I can't wait to share it with you.

Happy decorating!

A great mix of fabrics & style

I am working with a client in Catonsville, MD to redecorate her family room. She's artistic, has a great eye and has many treasures she wants to better display. This family of 5 wants to make over their family room for optimal chill time.

It's a lovely, light-filled room and is painted a burnt sienna color. They have a red television cabinet that is staying and everything else is being updated.

{Client's family room, color & tv cabinet are our starting point}

We began the design with a space plan so we could see what pieces worked best in the room. The focus is on viewing the television.

{Space plan incorporating new and existing furnishings}

Next it was time to shop for a new sofa and chairs to fit the plans and family. Comfort is key, but style is a close second. We found this chair at Shofer's Furniture in Federal Hill.

{Comfortable, stylish chair suitable for tv viewing and conversation. We'll take 2 please!}

The client also selected a leather sofa with clean lines (I don't have a good picture of that, sorry, you'll have to wait for the "after" pictures to see that!) and a storage ottoman and we then found fabrics to tie all of the pieces together. Check them out!

{The bold, modern paisley chair fabric (giving us some great accent colors to work with), the textured ottoman fabric (adding texture and bringing in the gold from the chair fabric) and the leather for the sofa (picking up on the wall color and making the room feel larger)}


{Finally, the wood finish for the sofa legs}

Now we have to wait a few months for the furniture to come in, but we'll be hanging art on the walls, shopping for pillows and bringing in window treatments to finalize the room so we'll be all set when the furniture arrives. Stay tuned.

If you are bringing in new furnishings think outside the box - leather doesn't have to be dark brown (not that there's anything wrong with that!), ottomans don't have to match your sofa and you can do a bold fabric -- the key is tying it all together by color pallet and style.

Be bold! Happy decorating!

6 outdoor pillows I love!

It's finally happening here in Maryland — the warm, hang-out-on-the-deck weather is here!

I'm always impressed with how far outdoor fabrics have come. We are no longer stuck with just solids and stripes to pick from and the color options are broad too! Both high and low end retailers are offering a variety that can fit any decor.

Here are a few faves I found online. Enjoy!

{Fun, traditional and modern outdoor pillows -- something for everyone!}

1. Red Ruffled outdoor throw pillow from Frontgate. Love, love, love. Add one to a sofa and create a focal point! Carry the look into the garden with red flowers.

2. Pool-themed embroidered throw pillows from Frontgate. These are happy pillows for fun in the sun, perfect for a pool deck or a beach house.

3. Marona Latte outdoor throw pillow from Home Decorators Collection. This traditional pattern is updated with its large scale. Mix and match patterns and colors from this collection to create a cohesive look on your patio.

4. Backyard floral outdoor pillow, yellow, from Pottery Barn. I can picture this in an English garden, full of blooms, metal furniture and comfortable chaises. Mix it with stripes and plaids or more florals!

5. Thomas Paul Starfish Outdoor Pillow from Velocity. It's no secret that I love Thomas Paul fabrics. This bold pattern doesn't disappoint. Use it with other neutrals or add pops of primary colors for a warm, modern look.

6. Venetian Artisan Throw Pillow in Gingko from Frontgate (again, I know, but they have lovely options!). This is so clean and simple and lovely. Pair it with solids and let is shine, or mix in other pillows with blue patterns for a monochromatic look. Refreshingly refined!

What is your favorite? How would you use it? Please leave a comment and let me know.

Happy decorating.

What's it like to work with me?

It's been a busy month! I'm sorry I haven't been sharing design wisdom with you this last month. Between many wonderful clients and spring break, I've been enjoying life.

I have something fun to share though, to make up for my absence — a video!

A fabulous client of mine did a video testimonial for me after we wrapped up her design projects. I added some before and after pictures of her family and living rooms so you can see the work we did together.

Enjoy and let me know your favorite part of the design! (You Tube has a funny way of freezing the videos, catching people in awkward positions...sorry Cassie!)

Drumroll please...

Thank you to everyone who voted for our first design challenge wall design. We have a winning plan and a winning commenter!

The client selected plan two as her favorite.

{The client selected plan two}

The lucky winning commenter, randomly picked from everyone who voted for number two, is Phyllis.

Phyllis, if you are reading this please email me your address so I can send you your stationery gift! Thanks again to everyone. Stay tuned for "after" photos of the wall display.

Design challenge ~ vote to win!

I'm excited to share my latest project with you, a "design challenge" collaboration with photographer Mary Gardella of Love Life Images. I'm going to explain the project, show you the design plans and then you can comment and vote on your favorite plan. Everyone who votes for the client's selected plan will be entered into a drawing to win a beautiful stationery set!

Mary found that many of her clients were stumped after their photo shoots—they didn't know what photos to select or how to best display them in their homes, so they sometimes did nothing. Gasp! All of that great photography just sitting there!

So Mary and I brainstormed how we could add value to her clients by offering a design consult in their homes to help them decide where to hang their pictures. It helps clients decide what size pictures to order and ultimately gives them a detailed plan for displaying them.

Our first design challenge took place in the lovely Federal Hill home of Michele Riley. She's had several family photo shoots with Mary, but hasn't figured out the best way to display the pictures in her living room. She bought a tape measure and that's about as far as she got! Here's her living room. The wall on the left is where we're placing the selected photo display.

{Living room now. We're planning a photo display for the left wall. Some plans include one of the large Baltimore images shown. Photo by Mary Gardella, Love Life Images}

To begin the consultation, I talked to Michele about what type of display she'd like, symmetrical or asymmetrical. She wanted to try asymmetrical because she said she loves that look, but doesn't know how to do it on her own. Next we looked through the photos Mary took and picked Michele's favorites. We decided to do a black and white display expect for the color shot of her boys on the water. That pop of blue will really stand out among the black and white art.

{Me chatting with the client, Michele, about options and ideas. Photo by Mary Gardella, Love Life Images}

Next I measured the wall we're using and the sizes of the current art. Exciting, I know. Mary makes even the most mundane task look good though!

{Me, working the tape measure. Photo by Mary Gardella, Love Life Images}

Once home, I began creating plans to fit the wall using the photos Michele loved, all while sticking within her project budget. Below are the 4 plans we presented to Michele today. Please leave a comment with your vote for your favorite. Voting ends Wed., 3/9 at midnight. The winning plan will be announced here and I will select a name at random from those of you who picked the same plan as Michele.

In addition to using one of her Baltimore art pieces in some plans, I've also included a piece of metal art Michele owns (shown below plans) and suggest, since her family loves the beach, that she add a clear glass wall vase and fill it with sand and shells from their favorite beach (an example is shown below).

{Plan 1, photo sizes (l to r) - 8x8, 11x14, 8x10, 16x20, 11x14, 8x10}

{Plan 2, photo sizes (l to r) - 16x20, 8x8, 11x14, (2) 8x10s}


{Plan 3, photo sizes (l to r) - 11x14, 8x10, 16x20, (metal art), 8x8, 8x10}

{Plan 4, photo sizes (l to r) - 11x14, (metal art) (2) 8x10s, 16x20, 8x10, 8x8}


{Metal art suggested for wall plans}


{Example of wall vase for sand and shells}

To be entered to win a lovely set of stationery, please comment and include the plan # you are voting for. Come on, I know you like to share your opinion so please let me know what you think! Voting ends at midnight on 3/9. I'll announce the winning plan, select a winner & contact that winner over the next few days!

Spread the word about this fun project via email and facebook!

Happy decorating!

A reader's window - redesigned!

I'm so happy today because a blog reader (and under full disclosure, a friend and past Butchers Hill neighbor) sent me an email about a decorating challenge she is having in her bedroom. I'm happy because I always ask for photos of your challenges, but I don't often get any. Now it's time to help solve her problem.

My recent newsletter (click here to sign up to receive my free monthly newsletter) focused on selecting window treatments so my friend Deb sent me this challenge after reading that. She lives in a rowhouse in Canton in Baltimore City and these are common windows in the front bedrooms of those houses.

Here's the picture of her bedroom windows.

{City windows that want a facelift!}

Here's her email:

"OK so here is my bedroom. Windows are a complete mystery to me. I had cordless cellular shade but they got so dusty I just threw them away. Anywho, right now I have those temporary shades you buy for 7 $ @ Home Depot. I made the valances — I could do better next time. I like color and have several simple handmade quilts but would like to turn it up a notch. I tell you all of this because maybe if you have an idea that can send me in that direction, then I can follow through with other changes as well. Also, the look of the room is shabby chic with white distressed furniture. I have an old window hanging over the bed and empty, old, white picture frames on various walls. I like the light coming in but since I live in a rowhouse, I need privacy too. What do you think?"

Well Deb, you've come to the right place because I have a few thoughts! I would like to see you hang a fabric roman shade over each window. If you have enough depth in the windows, you can mount the shades inside the windows (to show off the molding).

This "relaxed" roman shade style would go nicely with your shabby chic look.

{Relaxed roman shades mounted inside of windows}

If you can't do an inside mount, hang them outside, up to the ceiling. Outside mount will allow you to see more of the window (and let more light in) when they are raised. Size them so they hit the window sill when lowered.

{Flat roman shade, outside mount}

Roman shades come in various styles. Select one that goes best with your style. Fabric will have a lot to do with setting that feeling too. This "tulip" style shade would look great in your room too.

{Tulip style roman shade}

You could also add a cornice board valance over the shades to add another layer to the look.

{Valance over relaxed roman shade}

If you can't find ready-made shades to fit your windows are you handy enough to make your own? If not you'll want to find a workroom or a friend who sews well!

Let me know what you think and how it all works out. What are your window or decorating challenges? Please send pictures and I'll help you sort it out.

Happy decorating!

Biggest mistake in designing a room

I just spent this morning preparing for a client meeting. We'll be reviewing floor plan options for her living room before making furniture selections. When new furniture is being purchased I think a floor plan is the very best way to begin your design project.

This can be something you do yourself (the tools required are a tape measure, graph paper and a pencil) or with a designer, but it's something you should do to ensure all of your furnishings will fit in the room in a pleasing and functional way. Bonus, it's a fun and easy way to play with placement options without hard labor!

{Floor plan I created for the 2010 Historic Ellicott City decorator show house}

As usual, most really good ideas are shared by many. I found this "Q & A" from the Feb. 3 Washington Post’s online Home Front Discussion with House Beautiful editor in chief Newell Turner.

Q. Mistakes/trends
Hi Newell, I'm a big fan of yours! Wondering what decorating mistake you see most often that we should avoid and what trends you have seen enough of?

A. Newell Turner:
Great question! I think the biggest mistake people make is not starting with a floor plan—even something very basic and simple. Knowing size and space needs and limitations takes a lot of guess-work (and potential mistakes) out of the decorating equation.

Happy decorating!

New adventure, "your life: designed"

I am excited to announce that I am now working with Mary Gardella, photographer with Love, Life Images, as a guest blogger on a series we're calling "your life: designed."

You can see her blog, and my first post, here.

Visit her site to see her beautiful photography and stay tuned for some on-the-job projects we'll be working on with her clients, beginning next week in Federal Hill.

If you like the blog please share it with your friends on facebook, twitter or via your own blog!

Happy decorating!

fabric inspiration - practicing what I preach

Hi design lovers. It's a sunny and warm day here in MD so I thought it was a perfect day to share the sunny new fabric roman shades in my home office.

I've been working on redesigning my office for a few months, starting with a paint job in November (Benjamin Moore's Nimbus, 1465, Classic Color). But, before the paint went on the wall I fell in love with this Thomas Paul fabric, which inspired everything else in the room.

{Thomas Paul fabric by Duralee. I admittedly have a crush on Thomas Paul fabric because I also used it in my decorator show house room!}

I love the bold, graphic pattern and the fresh, happy colors, combined with a medium warm grey. It's out of my normal color pallet, but I decided to change things up a bit!

I decided to have roman shades made of the fabric. My windows are small and high up and I don't have space for drapes, so the shades are a perfect solution. I have also added the colors from the fabric to a framed chalk board, pillows (coming) and lamps in the room.

Here's a peek at the shades, which went up on Super Bowl Sunday. Touchdown for my office (okay, that's corny, but I'm just going with it).

{Custom roman shade, hung at ceiling height (about 6 inches above the window frame) to add height to the room}

{Shade with my new art}

To find the perfect paint match for my chalk board frame, I took the fabric swatch to the paint store and matched it. This is a simple way to customize an ordinary piece and make it your own!

{Shade when lowered, with painted chalk board, showing full pattern}

I always encourage clients and friends to begin with an inspiration piece when decorating so I wanted to show you how I've done that myself. Find something you LOVE and build your room around those colors.

Happy decorating!

How fashionable is your art?

I have been redecorating my home office (when I get the final window treatments I'll post pictures!) and that included adding art. To me, an office is just like any other room in your home—it's should be filled with things you love to see every day. I like it to feel less like an office and more like a welcoming room with pretty things!

I enjoy fashion and when I found these 3 ladies I was thrilled to bring them home to work with me! They are lined up on the wall behind my desk and they inspire me every day.

I should name them, don't you think?

Since I added these fashion prints to my office I've noticed fashion in art all over the place! I know this isn't a new thing, but it's kind of like when you buy a blue VW Beetle -- you then start seeing blue VW Beetles everywhere!

Here are a few more of my favorites. There is something for every style so if you love fashion and decorating consider adding something like this to your decor. Place them in unexpected rooms -- kitchen, entry or living areas -- and enjoy your home's new fashion!

{Vogue cover, Autumn Fuchsia, 1957. Love the color here! This is not focused on the fashion as much as it is the color and car, but it screams good fashion, so it's in!}


{A little Houndstooth & Tweed for your home. Love the dog!}


{"Fell in Love" giclee print, Ballard Designs. Romantic.}


{Back view of gown, Zimmerman. Great colors!}

I saved my favorite for last. The original "newspaper dress," by San Francisco artist, Denise Fiedler, was 12" high and created by hand cutting strips from the pages of old book and newspapers. I immediately wondered what I could cut up to create a similar look for my house! Love the graphic nature of this dress.

{"Newspaper Dress" giclee print, Ballard Designs}

Have you included fashion art in your home? Where? I'd love to know what's on your walls!

Happy decorating.

Rustic kitchen tile ~ final detail

Last May I posted about a kitchen back splash I was creating with a Columbia, MD, client (creating finishing details). She and her husband are creating colorful kitchen, living and dining room spaces.

We completed the tile installation at the end of last year, so I am finally sharing the final results with you.

{Kitchen & back splash before tile...the orange walls are crying out for color on the back splash. The client wanted a rustic, colorful look to compliment her pottery collection.}

{Drawing of proposed tile layout.}


{Back splash now. This is the center art piece over the stove. The random pattern gives it a very casual feeling.}


{The finished tile to the left of the stove.
*Note, the switch plate covers are to be painted the same blue as the tiles in order to "hide" them and let the tile shine!}


{The finished tile to the right of the stove. The switch plate cover will be painted on this side as well.}

A back splash is a great way to add ART to your kitchen. Whether you go with a colorful, lively look as shown here, or with the clean look of subway tiles in one color, be sure to consider the overall feeling you want in the kitchen, as well as your overall color scheme. Look through magazines or books for inspiration and ideas.

Finally, always work with a professional installer to complete your installation—a quality installation is just as important as the tile you select.

What is on your kitchen back splash? Leave me a comment about your back splash, I'd love to know what decor is cooking in your kitchen!

Mixing fabric patterns

Mixing fabric patterns in your home is a great way to add interest, texture and life to your decor. Many people shy away from it though because while it looks great when done well, it seems difficult to actually pull off. I'll share a few tips to make it easier on you, with some pretty examples from a recently completed design project.

{This family room uses 5 different fabrics, not counting the solid fabric on the sofas}

Tip 1 for mixing patterns - establish a color pallet of 2 - 3 colors and stick to that. Add in neutrals as needed. You can also use different values (light and dark) of the same color, creating a monochromatic scheme. For example, dark, mid and light greys could make up your pallet.

{Our pallet for this room was plum, light green and cream, this fabric has all three!
We made 3 pillows out of this striped fabric, it has great texture and can be placed horizontally or vertically}

Tip 2 for mixing patterns - vary the scale of your patterns. They can't all be large scale or small scale or there is no interest.

{Medium scale plum fabric, used on 1 pillow}


{Large scale cream fabric, used on 2 pillows}

{Three fabrics together on love seat. Don't they look happy?!}

Tip 3 for mixing patterns - Mirror patterns among fabrics. For example, three of the fabrics in this room have circle patterns, but they are different in scale and color (following first 2 tips!). They don't ALL have to be the same patterns though. To add more interest add different shapes - like stripes and organic shapes (as shown here).

{Organic pattern, in light green, on 1 pillow in room}


{Smallest circle scale in room, in plum, used on drapes}


{Drapes in the smallest scale plum fabric}

Tip for pillows - vary the sizes and shapes you use to add visual interest. If you use one shape, vary the sizes so they create a layer when placed together.

Have you struggled to mix patterns in your home? If so, I hope these tips help. If not, send me pictures of your successful pairings! april@afpinteriors.com

Happy decorating!